Can living near water help you reduce stress?

Actually, it can. Well, at least in Wellington, New Zealand.

Earlier this year, two New Zealand researchers and an American researcher published a study in the academic journal Health & Place, showing that having a view of water can improve mental health.

The researchers extracted topographical information of Wellington from national databases, mapping any forested areas, parks, and coastlines that would be visible to residents. Then they reviewed the 2011–12 New Zealand Health Survey, which included questions on health, lifestyle, doctor visits, socioeconomic status, chronic medical issues, and mental wellbeing for 442 Wellington residents. Finally, they combined and analyzed the topographical data and the health data.

They discovered that the more visible water was, the less psychological stress people had. So it looks like living near water can help you reduce stress. At least in Wellington.